Teams to assess crop loss due to rain

The government has set up special teams to assess the agricultural loss suffered by states due to unseasonal rain and hail, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday.

Responding to a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Jaitley said the central government would take all possible steps to help the states.

"The agriculture ministry has made different teams that will visit all states. The three agriculture ministers are also touring the affected areas," he said.

The minister said some states were in touch with the central government.

"The central government has all its sympathy for the farmers. Whatever administrative steps are needed to be taken will be taken," Jaitley said.

Members urged the government to ensure that farmers get compensation for the loss of crop.

K.C. Tyagi of the Janata Dal-United suggested the formation of a ministerial committee to assess the situation. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad called it a matter of concern for the whole country.